EC sets dates for Kyadondo East by-election

By Wilson Manishimwe

Added 16th May 2017 03:24 PM

In July last year High Court in Kampala kicked out of Parliament Apollo Kantinti (FDC) after court discovered non-compliance with election rules during the February 18 parliamentary elections in Kyadondo East constituency.

In July last year High Court in Kampala kicked out of Parliament Apollo Kantinti (FDC) after court discovered non-compliance with election rules during the February 18 parliamentary elections in Kyadondo East constituency.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has set June 26 2017 as the polling date for the Kyadondo East by-elections in Wakiso District. According to the Commission Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama, the constituency currently has a total of 6, 8731 voters and 93 polling stations.

He said an update of voters’ register will be conducted from May 22 -26 at update stations with in each of the nine parishes in Kyadondo East starting at 08:00am till 06:00pm on each of the appointed dates including weekends. He noted that during this period all registered voters who wish to transfer to new polling voting locations shall be allowed to do so.

In July last year High Court in Kampala kicked out of Parliament Apollo Kantinti (FDC) after court discovered non-compliance with election rules during the February 18 parliamentary elections in Kyadondo East constituency.

The ruling followed a successful petition to court by William Sitenda Sebalu(NRM) candidate who had been floored in the February 18 election.

During a press briefing at EC headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, Byabakama said the commission received notice from Parliament on May 2, 2017 and has approved the programme for the directly elected MP for Kyadondo East.

“Fundraising activities has been banned and the ban takes effect from Friday May 26 to allow a leveled ground for for all candidates in the race,” he said.

Byabakama said after the update of national voters register, it shall be displayed in the constituency from May 29 to June7 to allow voters check the correctness of their names and confirm photographs that appear against their particulars.

“There will also be display of lists recommended for deletion from the registrar for the period of seven days from June 7 to 12 at respective parish headquarters, “he said.

Sebalu in the petition sued Wakiso District returning officer Sarah Bukirwa, and Kantinti, the Electoral Commission for committing several election irregularities which affected the entire exercise.

However, Byabakama said the commission is critically analyzing the judgement so that the mistakes that were pointed out by court are not repeated. He also said the penalty for the individuals responsible for the irregularities shall be communicated.

“I can assure all the voters that all the loopholes that soiled the previous election have been ironed out and there shall be a free and fair election,” he stated.

He also revealed that sh264m has been earmarked for the entire election exercise. He warned the candidates on observing law and order and conduct their campaign meetings in accordance to the harmonized programme.

Nomination will be conducted on May 30 and 31 at the office of Returning Officer Wakiso District. The general public will be able to access their candidate’s nominations papers and lodge their complaints after 6 days.

“There shall be campaign meetings from June 2 to 23.Hate language will not be tolerated at all,” said Byabakama adding: “The commission shall accredit various observers for the various activities undertaken in the electoral process for the purposes of transparency,” he stated.

Several candidates such as Musician Robert Kyagulanyi commonly known as Bobi Wine, Katinti(FDC),Sebalu have showed interest in contesting for the seat. Democratic Party has maintained Lillian Babirye in the race.